In its Mapping LA project, the Los Angeles Times defined the borders of West LA as Sepulveda in the west, Beverly Glen in the east, Santa Monica in the north, and Pico in the south. However, the West LA designation can be somewhat nebulous; for instance, an Angeleno might say, “I'll be on the west side later,” in reference to any number of neighborhoods like Palms, Westwood, or Cheviot Hills that are commonly lumped in.

West LA's commerce is organized around major throughways like Olympic, Wilshire, and Santa Monica Boulevards where tall buildings offer ample office space. There are also some restaurants, pubs, and a shopping center surrounding the Pico/Westwood intersection. Most housing consists of small-to-midsized apartment buildings that are best suited for young professionals, UCLA students, and lower-middle class families, but there are also some higher-end houses north of Pico Blvd. and east of Westwood Blvd.

The area is reasonably bikeable and walkable, and in fact, alternate forms of transportation can be a serious advantage when gridlock traffic builds up—which it does. During non-peak hours, though, West LA's proximity to the 10 and 405 freeways is a boon, allowing residents to access other parts of the city in any direction.